Lab 6 Biomass

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University of Maryland, College Park *

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211

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Geography

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Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by PresidentDangerCat68

Lab 6: Biomass Created for UMD GEOG 211 by Dr. Amanda Hoffman-Hall and Baobao Liu Source: Elemental Geosystems, NASA Worldview In this lab, we will review the major concepts of biomass, elemental cycles, Earth's biomes together! Using NASA's Worldview tool, we are also able to investigate a wildfire together. What is Biomass? 1) According to Houghton (2008) , biomass refers to the mass of living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, or, from a biochemical perspective, cellulose, lignin, sugars, fats, and proteins. Biomass includes both the above- and below-ground tissues of plants, for example, leaves, twigs, branches, boles, as well as roots of trees and rhizomes of grasses. Biomass is often reported as a mass per unit area (g m −2 or Mg ha −1 ) and usually as dry weight (water removed by drying). Unless otherwise specified, biomass usually includes only living material. For example, neither deadwood nor the organic matter of soils is considered biomass, although soils do contain biomass in the form of bacteria, fungi, and meiofauna. 1A) Biomass is defined as the mass of living organisms. Given this definition, which of the following is NOT an example of biomass? (5 pts) 1B) According to Houghton, approximately how much biomass on Earth is stored within forests? (5 pts) 1C) According to Houghton, why is a good understanding of biomass important? (5 pts) Elemental Cycles In understanding the fundamental components of Earth's biomass and the cycling of energy and nutrients within ecosystems, we can gain insights into the interconnectedness of life on our planet.
2A) Which of the following elements are considered the most abundant in living matter and collectively make up more than 99% of Earth's biomass? Select all that apply. (5 pts) 2B) Which of the following statements is true regarding energy and nutrient cycles in ecosystems? (5 pts) Biogeographic realms are the largest geographical biota areas on Earth, separated by significant barriers to species migration and dispersal. Answer the following questions to test your knowledge of this topic! 3A) True or False: The primary reason why many land-dependent animals and plants do not cross Wallace's Line is because of a deep-water oceanic barrier that has never allowed for a land bridge to form between the continental shelves of Asia and Australia during periods of lowered sea levels. You can refer to your textbook pp. 516-517. (5 pts) 3B) According to p. 517, Figure 17.2b in our textbook, which of the following is NOT one of the eight biogeographic realms in use today? (5 pts) Earth’s Biomes Earth's terrestrial biomes are vast and varied, each presenting a unique ecosystem defined by its specific climate and the flora and fauna it supports. As we explore these biomes, we'll discover their distinct characteristics and learn how they play a crucial role in our planet's biodiversity and climate regulation. 4A) Typically, which biome has the largest biomass? (6 pts) 4B) Which biome has the least biomass? (6 pts)
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